Retail Director - Accessories industry

The client is a dynamic retail company specializing in accessories such as handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and other fashion items. With an extensive network of brick-and-mortar stores across multiple cities, the company offers a curated selection of trendy and high-quality products designed to appeal to a broad audience. In addition to its physical retail presence, the company also integrates e-commerce to provide a seamless shopping experience both online and offline, catering to modern, style-conscious consumers.

The Retail Director is responsible for overseeing the entire retail operations within the company's accessory stores. This senior leadership role ensures that all retail stores meet sales targets, deliver high customer satisfaction, and maintain optimal operational efficiency. The Retail Director works closely with store managers, the merchandising team, and the marketing department to align sales strategies with brand goals, ensuring the company remains competitive and profitable.

Key Responsibilities:

1. 
   
   Leadership & Management:
   
   
   
   • Lead, coach, and mentor store managers to achieve sales targets and maintain high operational standards.
   
   
   • Establish performance objectives for all retail staff and drive the execution of strategic retail plans.
   
   
   
   


2. 
   
   Sales Strategy & Execution:
   
   
   
   • Develop and implement retail strategies to optimize revenue and profitability across all locations.
   
   
   • Analyze sales performance, trends, and market data to identify growth opportunities and areas for improvement.
   
   
   • Ensure that stores meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) including revenue, profit margins, and customer satisfaction.
   
   
   
   


3. 
   
   Customer Experience & Brand Representation:
   
   
   
   • Ensure the retail network delivers an exceptional in-store experience consistent with the brand's identity and values.
   
   
   • Oversee the implementation of in-store merchandising and promotional campaigns, ensuring brand guidelines are followed.
   
   
   
   


4. 
   
   Operational Efficiency:
   
   
   
   • Oversee day-to-day retail operations including inventory management, store staffing, and overall efficiency.
   
   
   • Monitor compliance with company policies and retail best practices.
   
   
   • Manage and optimize the supply chain and ensure proper stock levels at all retail locations.
   
   
   
   


5. 
   
   Financial Management:
   
   
   
   • Oversee the retail budget, including forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
   
   
   • Work with finance to develop pricing strategies that maximize profits while remaining competitive in the market.
   
   
   
   


6. 
   
   Talent Development:
   
   
   
   • Recruit, hire, and develop high-performing retail teams.
   
   
   • Provide continuous training to enhance sales techniques, customer service, and product knowledge.
   
   
   
   


7. 
   
   Cross-Department Collaboration:
   
   
   
   • Collaborate with the marketing department on sales promotions and new product launches.
   
   
   • Work closely with merchandising and inventory teams to ensure product availability aligns with consumer demand.
   
   
   
   


8. 
   
   Market & Trend Analysis:
   
   
   
   • Stay current with industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer behavior in the accessories market.
   
   
   • Identify emerging retail technologies and opportunities to enhance store operations.
   
   
   
   

• Master's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.


• 8+ years of experience in retail management, preferably within the accessories or fashion industry.


• Proven track record in driving sales growth and improving retail performance.


• Strong leadership and team management skills.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Experience in multi-store retail operations and understanding of P&L management.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Experience with luxury or high-end accessories retail.


• Fluent in Dutch, French and English